‍In today’s fast-paced world, managing transportation and logistics operations efficiently is crucial for businesses to provide excellent services to customers. However, continuously monitoring and coordinating these operations can be a challenging task for managers. That’s where a logistics mobile app comes in handy.

By leveraging technology, a logistics app can streamline various aspects of the business, including warehouse management, delivery tracking, fleet maintenance, and more.

But before diving into the logistics app development process, it’s essential to understand the market statistics and factors that influence the cost of development.

How Much Does it Cost To Build a Logistics App?

Estimating the exact cost of logistics app development can be challenging without specific project details. However, the average cost can be roughly estimated based on industry standards and market trends.

In 2024, the cost of developing a logistics mobile app can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. So, how much does it cost to build a logistics app? Let’s find out. 

1. Simple Logistics App: For basic functionalities like order tracking, notifications, and a simple user interface, development costs typically range from $15,000 to $30,000. This is suitable for small businesses looking to enhance customer engagement without extensive features.
2. Medium Complexity App: If you’re looking for a more robust app that includes features like route optimization, advanced tracking, and user management, expect to invest between $30,000 and $70,000. This level suits growing businesses aiming for operational efficiency.
3. Advanced Logistics App: For comprehensive solutions that integrate real-time analytics, IoT capabilities, and advanced security features, development can cost between $70,000 and $150,000 or more. This is ideal for larger enterprises needing a fully customized solution to manage complex logistics operations.

By evaluating your specific needs and budget, you can determine which level of complexity aligns best with your logistics goals.

Logistics Industry Market Stats

To gauge the potential of the logistics industry and the need for a logistics app, let’s take a look at some market statistics:

• The global logistics market is projected to grow by 6.9 trillion during the years 2021-2026.
• The industry’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to be 4.6% from 2020-2027.
• Logistics/trucking holds the highest market share of 35% in the industry.
• The global logistics market value is estimated to reach US$ 15,273.21 billion by 2027.

These statistics indicate the immense growth potential of the logistics industry, making it an opportune time to invest in a logistics management app for your business.

Different Logistics Apps and How Much They Cost to Develop

When it comes to logistics, there’s a variety of apps that can be designed to meet different needs, each with its own unique development cost:

1. Delivery Management Apps: These apps are all about optimizing delivery routes and schedules. Depending on features like real-time tracking and customer notifications, you can expect to invest between $20,000 and $50,000.
2. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): If you’re looking to streamline warehouse operations, a WMS can be a great choice. Development costs typically range from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on functionalities like inventory tracking and order fulfillment.
3. Fleet Management Apps: These apps help manage your vehicle fleet, offering features like tracking and maintenance scheduling. You’ll likely spend between $25,000 and $75,000 for a solid solution.
4. Custom Logistics Solutions: If your business has unique needs, a custom app might be the way to go. These can cost anywhere from $50,000 to over $150,000, but the custom fit can lead to significant returns down the line.

By understanding the costs associated with each type of logistics app, you can make informed decisions that align with your budget and business goals.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Logistics App Development

Several factors influence the cost of logistics mobile app development. Understanding these factors can help you plan and estimate the budget for your project accurately. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. App Features: The complexity and number of features you want to include in your logistics app have a direct impact on the development cost. The more features you require, the higher the cost.
2. Platform: The choice of platform, whether iOS, Android, or both, will affect the development cost. Developing for multiple platforms will generally be more expensive than focusing on a single platform.
3. Design: The complexity of the app’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design can influence the cost. A visually appealing and intuitive design may require more time and effort from designers, increasing the development cost.
4. Integration: If you need to integrate the logistics app with other systems or APIs, such as payment gateways or third-party services, it may add to the complexity and cost of development.
5. Development Team: The cost of hiring a development team depends on factors such as their expertise, location, and reputation. Experienced developers may charge higher rates but can deliver a high-quality app.
6. Testing and Maintenance: Testing the app for bugs and ensuring its smooth operation is essential. Ongoing maintenance and updates to keep the app compatible with new OS versions and technologies may also incur additional costs.

The Complete Cost Breakdown Analysis of Logistics App Development

Type of App by Platform

Android Logistic App:

• Basic features: Starting from simple truck scheduling or delivery status features, the development cost can range from $10,000 to $25,000.
• Medium complexity: Integrating on-demand logistics or more intricate fleet management tools may cost between $25,000 and $40,000.
• Advanced features: For comprehensive logistics management with all the necessary functionalities, the cost can exceed $40,000.

iOS Logistics App:

• Basic features: A simple iOS app with essential functionalities may cost around $15,000 to $30,000.
• Medium complexity: Adding features like freight forwarding or advanced supply chain integration can increase the development cost from $30,000 to $50,000.
• Advanced features: For a top-tier iOS logistics app experience, the cost can exceed $50,000.

Features and Functionalities

• Supply Chain and Freight: Simple supply chain visualization and basic freight tracking functionalities can cost between $10,000 and $20,000.
• On-demand Logistics: Developing on-demand delivery services similar to Uber may range from $15,000 to $35,000.
• Logistics Management: In-depth logistics management tools and functionalities can cost between $20,000 and $45,000.
• Fleet Management: Integrating tools for monitoring, scheduling, and analytics may add $15,000 to $25,000 to the development cost.

Integration and Sync with Logistics Companies

If you plan to integrate your app with existing logistics company systems, the cost can range from $3,000 to $15,000 per integration & depending on the compatibility and depth of integration required.

Post-Launch and Miscellaneous Costs

• Maintenance & Updates: Regular updates, bug fixes, and potential feature additions should be budgeted at approximately 15-20% of the initial development cost per year.
• Server Costs: Monthly server costs can vary depending on the user load and data storage needs, ranging from $50 to $500.
• Marketing & Promotion: Budgeting for marketing and promotional activities is essential to ensure the success and visibility of your logistics app. Allocate at least $5,000 to $15,000 for this purpose.

It’s crucial to consult with a reputable logistics app development company like ScaleupAlly to get an accurate quotation based on your specific requirements. They can provide valuable insights and a complete picture about the actual logistics mobile app development cost and other important details.

Ref. site for above stats: Yahoo Finance, Statista